93rd Apple Blossom Festival is underway in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley

Thousands will descend on the Annapolis Valley for the annual Apple Blossom Festival.

The 93rd Apple Blossom Festival is well underway in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley.

This year’s theme is ‘The Fabric of the Valley,’ which is meant to reflect the idea that the festival, like the community, “is woven together by many different threads, each one important,” according to the festival’s website.

The festival has been running since 1933, but the beauty of the blossoms doesn’t always line up with the celebrations which run the last weekend in May.

“They were earlier than the Apple Blossom Festival but probably getting closer to a new normal now. They were full bloom last weekend.”

That came as a surprise to visitor Jane Wilson.

“It’s so cold. I thought they would be blooming later, but nature is nature, you can’t hit it right on,” said Wilson. “I wish I had an in… I could call somebody and say, ‘When should we come?’ because it’s just a ferry ride over and you’re right here, it’s worth the trip.”

Wilson and a friend made the trip from New Brunswick for the event.

“It’s my very first time. I’ve heard about it and I paint so I wanted to paint some apple blossoms, and I thought I’m going to come to the Annapolis Valley and see it,” she said.

“The value is in seeing the orchards and the vineyards and the lush landscape.”

Not all blossoms are passed; a few varieties are later than others. That means festival organizers can only hope they get their timing right.

“They missed it at times where the blossoms have been after the last weekend in May and so it’s very difficult to guess because Mother Nature doesn’t give them nor us any indication of what it’s going to do,” said apple grower Peter Elderkin.

“I think it’s important as an apple farmer that we keep it in people’s minds that we are a strong apple growing region. It’s our time of beauty to shine.”

In addition to the beauty of the blossoms, there are events like fireworks and a parade to draw people in.

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